The United States carried out a fresh round of airstrikes on Iran early Sunday, July 12, targeting missile and drone sites, ammunition dumps, communication equipment, and other facilities. This action came in response to an Iranian attack on a Cyprus-flagged container ship, the M/V GFS Galaxy, in the Strait of Hormuz, which left one crew member missing and the vessel with significant engine room damage and an onboard fire. This marks the third round of US airstrikes in the past week, aiming to weaken Iran's ability to threaten shipping in the strait.
Following the US strikes, Iran retaliated by launching attacks against several countries in the Middle East that host US military forces, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, and Oman. Qatar reported three casualties, including a child, from shrapnel after intercepting Iranian fire. Oman, which had been mediating talks between the US and Iran regarding the strait, summoned the Iranian ambassador to protest the strikes, calling them "irresponsible." Iran's Revolutionary Guard declared the Strait of Hormuz closed "until further notice" and warned of targeting "additional enemy bases" if further attacks occurred.
The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil and natural gas supplies, has become a central point of contention. Approximately one-fifth of all traded oil and natural gas passed through the strait before the conflict began, and Iran's asserted control has contributed to a global energy crisis, although oil prices have since dropped from wartime highs of $120 a barrel. The ongoing hostilities have jeopardized an interim deal between the US and Iran, which was set to reach its midway point within the week, aimed at achieving a permanent end to the war. US officials are demanding that Iran publicly commit to stopping attacks and ensuring all shipping lanes are open without tolls.
